From Our Blog

2021 Real Estate Review & Economic Forecast

The Chamber convened experts to tap into into real estate and the business climate across Mason County and greater Western Washington with the sponsorship support from the Mason County Association of Realtors. Realtors’ President, Tracy Mettier welcomed the audience, spoke to the difference between real estate agents and Realtors, and premiered this video about the association. The in-depth analysis of data and trends make for stimulating conversations about the direction we can expect in the coming months. Andy Conklin, a Read more…

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Holiday Drives Help Neighbors

Our community continues to come together time and time again to help neighbors in need. The holiday season is a great time to consider contributing to causes close to your heart. Many area nonprofits are accepting donations. Although it’s hard to imagine going without basic needs, some individuals and families face this reality right here in Mason County. For those of you able to help, the Chamber has compiled a list of local causes accepting donations. #SupportLocal Adopt a Youth Read more…

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January Business After Hours

Our hometown shipping & technology center welcomes you to a cheery reception complete with libations at our first social of the year. Drop in at Zeppelin Shipping and Technology Center anytime on Wednesday, January 12, from 5:30-7:30p to socialize and connect with fellow Chamber members, local business owners, organizational leaders, elected officials, and friends. RSVP requested. Business After Hours is a monthly event hosted at member businesses on the second Wednesday of each month as a complimentary member benefit. It’s designed Read more…

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Committee Hears from Hospital

In October the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee hosted Mason Health CEO Eric Moll, who shared the biggest challenges our county’s medical system has been facing. Overall, the entire industry has faced a moral difficulty regarding how to prioritize care. The vaccine mandate was a curveball not anticipated, but Mason Health has worked through a complex process that demanded new workflow. COVID restrictions created unforeseen difficulties and delayed progress with combining all its medical specialties under one roof – yet it Read more…

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State of the Community: County & City

The Chamber proudly convened this conversation on the State of the Community on Thursday, October 21. Both Mason County and the City of Shelton provided perspective about how they’ve fared this year and touched on accomplishments, challenges, and future plans. This Event is in Partnership of the Presenters: Heidi McCutcheonShelton-Mason County Chamber(360) 426-2021(360) 490-3741 directheidi@masonchamber.com Mayor Kevin DorcyCity of Shelton(360) 426-4491(360) 490-8164 directkevin.dorcy@sheltonwa.gov Commission Chair Randy NeatherlinMason County(360) 427-9670 ext. 419(360) 490-7389 directrandyn@masoncountywa.gov

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Regional Viewing Event for WCCE 2021 Conference

Local Chambers of Commerce are invited to attend a viewing event/livestream on Wednesday, October 27, at the beautiful Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Union, WA. Seating will open at 9:30a, the program will begin at 10a and conclude by 4:00p. Space is limited and registration is required; please use the form below to save your seat(s). Alderbrook has extended a discounted room rate of $129+ for Tuesday, October 26, and Wednesday, October 27. Reservations may be made directly with the Read more…

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Showcase Your Business and Products to Shoppers Online

On October 20, the Chamber hosted a livestream of Grow with Google’s Digital Partner Series workshop, “Showcase Your Business and Products to Shoppers Online.” The workshop offered strategies for building your online presence to reach new customers, optimizing your e-commerce site, and listing products on Google. Participants learned how to get started using the Google’s Merchant Center (free tool) to showcase products in search results. Plus they walk through how to set up an ad campaign just in time for Read more…

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Worker Shortage Crisis Continues to Threaten Economic Recovery

excerpt by US Chamber of Commerce The unemployment rate fell in September but 10.4 million jobs went unfilled in August, after a record high in July. Why it matters: The worker shortage crisis continues, affecting businesses of all sizes, across industries and is a reminder that our economic recovery remains fragile. Our take: “With open jobs exceeding the number of people looking for work by over 2.7 million, the workforce shortage is the single most significant threat to America’s economic recovery. Coupled with Friday’s disappointing employment Read more…

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Harmsworth Reviews Legislative Issues

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center was the guest speaker at the Chamber’s Government Affairs committee meeting in September. As Director of its Center for Small Business, he laid out key issues he anticipates to be addressed during the next state legislative session. Although it’s just a few long weeks for the legislature, several issues are vying for urgency and attention. A few of those priorities relevant to business include: The capital gains tax created by SB 5096 is Read more…

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Plastic Bag Ban Now in Effect

Washington’s statewide plastic bag ban was originally slated to begin January of 2021. Implementation was delayed due to supply chain issues of reusable bags related to the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 13, theGovernor set the single-use plastic bag ban effective date for October 1, 2021. The ban applies to: all retail, grocery, and convenience stores; any restaurant or establishment offering takeout or delivery food or goods; temporary stores or vendors; and any event where food or goods are sold or Read more…

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